Diana Winslow has practiced with weaponry from the time she could hold the dagger her father placed in her hand.  Her prowess as a fighter doesn't set well with her brother, but Diana finds an outlet for her skills when she is called upon by the League Of The Blade to spy on Viscount Bannister.  Her disguise as a maid soon leads her to rescue another from rape, but then she finds herself in peril of losing her virginity.  Her desperation to escape leads to murder.  Only after the viscount's brother arrives is she allowed to go free.

Thomas has never wanted to be a priest, but as a second son, he has no choice.  Now, through the actions of another, he is the new viscount.  His peers scoff at him—his skills as a knight are lacking—so he puts himself through a rigorous training schedule.  Once he can hold his own with all challengers, he looks to attain a wife.  His prowess there hits a snag, and only when the king steps in is Thomas able to see a woman in his future.

Circumstances and fear bring Diana and Thomas face-to-ace at Castle Bannister.  Fearing that he will point the finger of guilt at her, Diana imprisons Thomas in the dungeon.  There he has plenty of time to plot his revenge against the sensual and somehow familiar Diana.  However, once free, he decides he will pay her back by courting both her sister and Diana.  During this courtship Thomas and Diana realize secrets can never take the place of love.